Sutherland woman, Marina Heasman is in the Christmas spirit after being awarded a building and development grant from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) to help her natural soap and aromatherapy products business to grow.

A qualified aromatherapist and reflexologist, Marina has been manufacturing a range of oils since 1993. Her soaps and aroma products were so successful, she created her own cottage industry, establishing her company Essential Spirit Limited in October 2000. Since then, demand for her essential oils, soaps and other aromatic delights has grown.

With financial assistance totalling £3,900 from CASE, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, Marina is having a workshop built at the rear of her home which will incorporate manufacturing, production, assembly and storage space.

Commenting on the award, Marina said: "This is a fantastic early Christmas present. My living and working environment was hampering the potential growth of the business. I was having to continuously set-up and dismantle equipment due to a severe lack of space. A purpose-built workshop will improve efficiency and will allow me to meet the increasing demand for my natural soaps, ready-mixed therapeutic bath and massage oils and other aromatic products."

Since starting Essential Spirit, Marina has visited trade fairs and received a positive response to her products. With advise from the CASE HIE Marks Advisor new marketing activities include a website (www.essentialspirit.co.uk), advertising and direct promotion. HIE Marks is a European funded initiative that aims to provide businesses with expert marketing advice and financial assistance.

Carroll Buxton, chief executive at CASE said: "There are very few employment opportunities in Borgie so it is encouraging to see an interesting hobby evolve into a successful business. Helping businesses to grow and realise their full potential is a priority for CASE regardless of size."

Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise

Essential Spirit